Regional CTE Advisory Committee Convening at CGCC Strengthens Workforce Connections Across the Columbia Gorge
CGCC’s Lead Advanced Manufacturing Instructor, Robert Clark, guides educators and industry partners through the college’s advanced manufacturing lab, showcasing hands-on training that connects students to high-demand careers.
From Columbia Gorge STEM Hub:
By Nicole Tolmie
The Dalles, Ore., April 2, 2026 — On March 19, 2026, nearly 60 educators, industry leaders, and community partners gathered at Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) for the third Regional Career Technical Education (CTE) Advisory Committee meeting. The event marked continued momentum in aligning education and industry to expand meaningful career-connected learning opportunities for students across the Columbia Gorge.
Hosted by the Columbia Gorge STEM Hub in partnership with Columbia Gorge Education Service District and High Desert ESD, the convening brought together approximately 30 industry and community partners alongside nearly 30 educators representing middle school STEM, high school CTE programs, and CGCC faculty.
The evening began with interactive tours of CGCC’s CTE facilities, offering participants a firsthand look at programs designed to prepare students for high-demand careers. Attendees then gathered for a networking dinner, and a series of discussions focused on strengthening regional workforce pathways.
A highlight of the evening was the opportunity for cross-sector dialogue, where participants shared insights on building and sustaining effective career-connected learning programs. Conversations centered on expanding work-based learning opportunities, strengthening communication between education and industry, and identifying solutions to workforce challenges across sectors.
Educators, industry leaders, and community partners connect across career sectors during a dynamic networking session - sparking ideas and building partnerships to support future workforce pathways in the Columbia Gorge.
“This meeting was a valuable opportunity to connect with peers across the Columbia Gorge, and strengthening a skilled local workforce is essential to the future of healthcare in our region - gatherings like this move us meaningfully in that direction,” said Seth Deister, Training & Development Program Manager at One Community Health.
Participants also engaged in structured table discussions and action planning, identifying tangible next steps for launching or expanding career-connected learning and work-based learning projects in the upcoming school year. These conversations emphasized collaboration across districts and industries, leveraging existing resources, and addressing key barriers to implementation.
Taylor Alsheimer, CTE Automotive Teacher at The Dalles High School, shared “As a high school CTE educator, it is hard to find the time to collaborate with teachers at other schools and industry partners. The CTE Regional Advisory Committee facilitates that much needed collaboration and idea sharing. In my experience as an educator, this has been the most efficient and effective advisory committee I have participated in."
This meeting builds on a growing regional effort, following previous convenings at The Dalles High School and Hood River Valley High School. Together, these gatherings are establishing a consistent, bi-annual platform for educators and industry professionals to align efforts, share expertise, and co-develop solutions that support students and regional workforce needs.
Building Momentum
The Regional CTE Advisory Committee continues to focus on:
Strengthening partnerships between education and industry
Expanding access to career-connected and work-based learning experiences
Improving communication and coordination across systems
Addressing current and future workforce needs in the Columbia Gorge
Momentum continues to build, with the next convening planned for fall 2026 (late September). The group aims to host the upcoming meeting at an industry site, further deepening real-world connections.
Get Involved
Educators, industry professionals, and community partners interested in supporting this work are encouraged to get involved in future convenings and regional initiatives.
To learn more or join the Regional CTE Advisory Committee, please contact: Kate Wurster, Columbia Gorge STEM Hub at kwurster@cgesd.k12.or.us
Columbia Gorge STEM Hub is a department of Columbia Gorge Education Service District. Learn more about the Columbia Gorge STEM Hub’s work:www.gorgestem.org
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